Top Motorcycle Rides in Arizona
Arizona’s diverse landscapes offer some of the most breathtaking motorcycle routes in the American Southwest, sharing borders with motorcycle-friendly destinations like New Mexico, California, Utah, and Nevada. Each neighboring state adds its own unique riding opportunities, from California’s coastal highways to Utah’s red rock canyons.
1. The Apache Trail
This iconic 40-mile route through the Superstition Mountains delivers an authentic Arizona riding experience. The road combines well-maintained pavement with challenging unpaved sections, winding through rugged canyons and past desert lakes. Key attractions include:
- Dramatic Superstition Mountains vistas
- Crystal-clear Canyon Lake
- Historic Tortilla Flat settlement
- Desert wildlife viewing opportunities
2. The Coronado Trail
Known as Arizona’s “Devil’s Highway,” this 120-mile stretch challenges riders with over 460 curves. The route transforms from desert landscape to high-country forests, offering:
- Spectacular Morenci Mine overlooks
- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Technical riding challenges
3. Jerome to Prescott (89A)
This compact but thrilling 12-mile route packs 127 curves into a memorable riding experience. Highlights include:
- Historic Jerome mining town
- Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row
- Mountain terrain
- Year-round accessibility
4. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenery
This 132-mile journey showcases Arizona’s most photographed landscapes. Best experienced during October and November, featuring:
- Red Rock Scenic Byway views
- Oak Creek Canyon’s natural beauty
- Historic Camp Verde
- Ancient Montezuma Castle ruins
5. Monument Valley Route
A 55-mile ride through iconic southwestern landscapes made famous in countless films. Experience:
- The legendary Forrest Gump Point
- The Mittens rock formations
- Merrick Butte at sunrise or sunset
- Traditional Navajo territory
6. Globe to Show Low
This 87-mile route offers diverse terrain and climate changes, including:
- Salt River Canyon views
- Roosevelt Lake vistas
- Mountain landscapes
- Ideal spring and fall riding conditions
7. Wickenburg Road
Perfect for winter riding, this 65-mile desert route features:
- Historic Vulture Mine ghost town
- Western heritage museums
- Well-maintained pavement
- Classic desert scenery
8. Bartlett Lake Route
A 50-mile scenic ride through Tonto National Forest, offering:
- Verde River views
- Spring wildflower displays
- Lake recreation opportunities
- Forest landscapes
Similar to Arizona’s varied terrain, riders can explore excellent routes in neighboring regions, including Nevada’s desert highways, Utah’s national park routes, and New Mexico’s mountain passes. Each destination offers its own unique riding experience while complementing Arizona’s motorcycle culture. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Arizona’s motorcycle laws before hitting the open road.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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